Undeniable success for senior citizens

In February, a new group will be admitted to the Comprehensive Health Promotion for the Over-65s programme, a project run by Janus Health Promotion in Hafnarfjörður. The City of Hafnarfjörður and Janus Heilsuefling have been in a successful partnership since 2018, with the city subsidising the participation fee for individuals aged 65 and over who are registered residents of Hafnarfjörður. The new group will be the 10th group in the project. Since the beginning, 437 individuals have taken part, 178 men and 259 women. Of these, 210 have fully completed the two-year training, comprising 90 men and 120 women.

Unambiguous success – in favour of senior citizens

The project originated from the doctoral thesis of Janus Guðlaugsson, PhD Sports and Health Scientist: 'Multifactorial Health Promotion – A Path to Successful Ageing'. The project aimed to demonstrate that the ageing process could be temporarily reversed through targeted health-related preventative measures. The study ran for a year and a half, and the results were unequivocal in favour of the older adults. It was found that the health of the older adults improved significantly, their performance capacity increased and their mobility improved. Muscle mass increased while fat mass decreased. Blood pressure also fell significantly and blood markers improved.

Health literacy and sustainability of one's own health

One of the aims of the health promotion is to make the individual self-sufficient when it comes to their own health and to educate them on how often per week, for how long at a time, and what the intensity should be when engaging in physical activity. This is how health literacy is enhanced. To improve one's health, a person needs to exercise for around 30 minutes daily and do strength training 2-3 times a week. They also need to eat well, particularly focusing on a protein-rich diet if they want to improve their muscle mass. This is the key to continued success.

Extensive initial measurements and breakup times

In Hafnarfjörður, strength training takes place at Reebok in Tjarnarvellir and cardio training in Kaplakriki, and the facilities are exemplary. Alongside strength and endurance sessions, the Janus health promotion programme has offered so-called 'breakout sessions', which are classes held outside of the usual training hours where a coach leads the group in yoga, line dancing and more. At the start of the project, participants undergo extensive measurements, which are repeated every six months. Participants undergo a body composition analysis, which measures muscle and fat mass, among other things. Information on their medical history is also collected, as well as assessing their strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. This provides a better picture of where participants are at the start of the training, but also how they are progressing. The measurements for new participants in Hafnarfjörður will take place at the St. Jó Wellbeing Centre on the 21st and 22nd of February.

Those interested can find out about the project and register. www.janusheilsuefling.is. Information is also available by telephone on 546 1232.